The U.S. Department of Education came out with a set of recommendations for changing how student success is measured by the nation's community colleges. Inside Higher Ed reported that the recommendations will change the graduation rate formula by taking into account students who transfer, part-time students and students who are not attending college for the first time.

While the changes could still be several months away from becoming a reality, the recommended action plan could mean big differences in the way that community colleges collect and analyze data. It could also mean an immediate shift in the graduation rate, given that the current formula excludes a significant portion of students. 

See the official action plan from the U.S. Department of Education here.